The sinkhole formed Monday at the entrance of the Tanger Outlet Mall on Highway 321 in Blowing Rock. Officials say the hole about 15 feet across developed when storm drains gave way underground, a collapse that may have been caused by recent heavy rainfall.

A temporary road is being built so that workers and customers can enter the shopping center, a project that could take a couple of days. More than two dozen businesses are closed until construction crew can build a temporary entrance.